High energy costs drive price hikes, government reveals £70m fund to train building inspectors and Trades United plans anti-tool theft rally in Romford
The Construction Leadership Council has warned that conflict in the Middle East is driving a sharp increase in production and transport costs across the supply chain.
Merchants, housebuilders and contractors are already complaining of new surcharges being introduced with little notice and limited justification.
Some firms are saying that the steel prices are changing so rapidly they cannot obtain reliable quotes.
Fuel prices have also risen quickly, with diesel now up over 20% in recent weeks.
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The government is investing £70m to address the shortage of building safety inspectors.
The funding will create 700 registered building inspectors and up-skill existing professionals, over the next three years.
Both building control and fire engineering staff will benefit from the funding uplift.
The announcement was described as a vital step towards unlocking 1.5m safe homes.
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Trades United is looking to drum up support for another anti-tool theft rally in June.
The organiser aims to bring tradespeople together outside Romford Magistrates Court to coincide with the appearance of two suspects arrested at a car boot sale.
In a statement on Instagram, Shoaib Awan said the event was about “standing together and making sure our voices are heard.”
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